The Thiruppanandal Kasi Matham in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu has been doing social work for more than 300 years and runs many educational institutions. Lands belonging to the Matham were given for free to build school buildings and hospitals. Since 1874, the Poigai Pond in the Kasi Mutt complex has been constructed and used extensively by the Kasi Mutt. Nathan, a retired Tahsildar and general manager of the Math, said that the temple tirthavari utsavam is held annually at Poigai Pond. It is mentioned in the records/register that 0.74.5 hectares in plot no. 702/3 (old plot no. 248/1pa) in Thiruppanandal East village belongs to the Poigai pond.
Demolition Of The Wall
On 30 October, 2023, the Kasi Thirumadam in Thiruppanandal, Thanjavur district, experienced a distressing incident. A group of individuals, arriving in two separate groups, completely demolished the 400-foot perimeter wall surrounding the sacred Poigai pond within the Matham premises. The manager filed a police complaint after the discovery by an on-site employee, Vridhakiri. Preliminary assessments suggest a damage cost of nearly ₹2 lakh. The investigation is ongoing to identify those responsible for this act, and local authorities have promised swift action to safeguard the sacred site and ensure public safety. The Police are on the lookout for Tamil National Development League State Media Division Secretary Muhammad Bilal and General Secretary Karthikeyan.
Some devotees insisted that considering the safety of a pool, a protective wall must be built around it. They said, “Similarly, a wall was built around the Poigai pond. The water source is also properly protected. Now among the assets of the math, a variety of distractions can occur, appropriate legal action should be taken against those who cause encroachments and law and order problems,”.
Tiruppanandal Swaminatha Swamigal Arts College Principal, Mohan said, “Various educational institutions such as Tamil College, 2 Arts College, Higher Secondary School, Middle School, Primary School, Matric Higher Secondary School are running through Kasi Math’s Kumaragurupara Swamy Educational Group. In all these educational institutions, 45 faculty members and 1107 students from Scheduled Tribes have benefited in the current year. He said that all the students of the villages around this area are benefiting from education in these educational institutions. Therefore, the activities of Thirumatham are running on the principle that everyone is equal without caste discrimination.”
What Does The Epigraphic Evidence Say?
An inscription dated 17.08.1941 installed in the premises at Poigai Pond reveals several sources related to Poigai Pond. Here are the details of its recent renovations:
* In 1874, during the reign of Thiruppanandal Kasimadam 14th pontiff Srilasri Kasivasi Ramalinga Swami, the Poigai pond was dug. Around the pond, handrails, steps, etc. were also constructed.
* In 1900, during the reign of the 16th pontiff Srilasri Kasivasi Somakandara Swami, the steps were renovated with granite.
* In 1941 during the reign of the 19th pontiff Srilasree Kasivasi Swaminatha Swami, the pond was cleaned, and steps were repaired and Neerazhi Mandapam was built at a height.
* The 20th pontiff Srilasri Kasivasi Arulnandi Dhampiran Swami installed the silver marble Kashi Vinayagar brought from Varanasi in the Neerazhi Mandapam of Poigai Pond and performed Kumbabhishekam.
* Since 1972, the 21st pontiff Srilasri Kasivasi Muthukumara Swami Thambiran Swami began his work in this pond in 2021 and completed it in March 2022.
Dharmapuram Adheenam Appeals To CM Stalin For Taking Action Against Miscreants
Dharumapuram Adheenam’s 27th pontiff Guru Maha Sannithanam Srilasri Masilamani Desika Gnanasambanda Swamigal has appealed to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to take action against miscreants who destroyed the perimeter of the pond of the Thiruppanandal Kasi Math.
In a Facebook post, the Dharumapura Adheenam pontiff said “To the attention of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the wall of Tiruppanandal Kasi Matham which is also considered as a subsidiary of the Dharumapuram Adheen was been broken and damaged at night by anti-social elements. This has shocked the Saivite community. No matter who the perpetrators are, they have to be punished immediately. Kumaragurubar had stopped the religious riots in the northern parts and reconciled religions. foundation is working for education and society throughout the country. The Matam is working for education and society throughout the country and we want to find a suitable solution to this and establish justice, peace and social harmony!
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